DAP’s new branch in Batu Kitang state seat likely to open next month

Abdul Aziz (wearing songkok) with new DAP members at the handing over of membership forms event at Kampung Sandong’s community hall.

KUCHING, July 31: State Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) Socialist Youth (DAPSY) membership recruitment drive is on overdrive in the state constituency of Batu Kitang as the party plans to set up a new branch there.

Its publicity secretary, Abdul Aziz Isa, said based on the number of applications received so far, the proposed branch could be up before the end of next month.

In a statement today, Abdul Aziz said 20 Malays submitted their application forms to join the DAP during a ceremony at Kampung Sandong’s community hall yesterday. Of these 20 applicants, 15 were males and five females.

“Amazingly, half of our new members are under 35-years-old,” he said.

He claimed former Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) members helped the DAP to get new members in Kampung Sandong.

“Four PBB Kampung Sandong sub-branch members officially resigned from the party and joined the DAP as their new way of struggle. They have realised that the previous regime had treated the Malays like a ransom. For continuing to vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN), they only received minor development for their village.

“Since Lo Khere Chiang became their state representative, they (villagers) felt neglected by BN, now Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), despite this area being a strong BN stronghold for many years,” Abdul Aziz claimed.

Now that Pakatan Harapan (PH) helms Putrajaya, he said the villagers saw hope for more development, besides keeping a check-and-balance on PBB.

The DAPSY recruitment team will soon be at six Bidayuh villages: Kampung Semeba, Kampung Sudat, Kampung Tematu, Kampung Bumbok, Kampung Dangak and Kampung Betong. They will also be visiting nine Malay villages: Kampung Haji Baki, Kampung Kitang Lama, Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya, Kampung Bukit Panchor, Kampung Lidah Tanah, Kampung Bunga Rampai, Kampung Paya Mebi, Kampung Sebuak and Kampung Landeh. — DayakDaily